UNC Basketball: (Caleb) Love is in the air in Chapel Hill!

Caleb Love put on a shooting display from three-point land as the UNC basketball program dominated Florida State on Saturday afternoon.

Heading into Saturday’s game against Florida State, the UNC basketball program knew that they weren’t facing the team that was in first place in the ACC just a few weeks ago.

The Seminoles have been plagued by injuries, as some of their most important players have missed significant time due to injury. Unfortunately for Leonard Hamilton and his team, the games must go on, and the Tar Heels took advantage of the opportunity.

Right from the start, North Carolina dominated the ball game. After going on an 18-0 run to start the game, Hubert Davis’ squad led by 30-plus points at some junctures en route to a much-needed blowout victory.

There were a few notable Tar Heels to discuss in this one.

For starters, Armando Bacot put together another strong (yet quiet) double-double, his 19th of the season. North Carolina got good offensive production from R.J. Davis and Brady Manek, both of whom chipped in 16 points.

Although he only scored five points, Leaky Black was one of three UNC basketball players to have five assists in this game. The bench was also productive — which was a pleasant surprise for once — as Dontrez Styles, Kerwin Walton and Donovan “Puff” Johnson provided solid minutes in their reserve roles.

All of the aforementioned players were solid, but it was Caleb Love who stood out the most in this one.

Love has received a lot of criticism for his play of late, especially regarding his inconsistent shooting. However, the sophomore guard put together one of his best shooting performances of the season en route to a game-high 18 points.

The St. Louis, Missouri native did all of his damage from beyond the arc, as he made a career-best six three-pointers. His previous career-best was four three-pointers, a mark that he surpassed in the first half of this game when he drained five shots from deep. It also marks the first time that a Tar Heel has made five threes in a single half since Cole Anthony accomplished the feat against Syracuse in 2020.

Not only did Love impact the game by scoring the basketball, but he also had one of his best passing performances as well. The sophomore guard recorded a season-high six assists and made some very nice passes that led to open shots for his teammates.

This was the type of performance that the Tar Heels hope can get Love back on track for the foreseeable future. We all know that the talent is there, it’s just a matter of whether or not he can stay consistent and play as he did on Saturday afternoon down the stretch.

Caleb Love is our “Tar Heel of the Game” for North Carolina’s 18th victory of the season. Will Love repeat on Wednesday against Pittsburgh, or will another UNC basketball player take home the award?

You’ll have to check back with the Keeping It Heel team to find out!

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